CANADA · MERRITT

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

public · Founded 1983 · Languages: en

In short

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) is British Columbia's Indigenous public post-secondary institute offering a blend of Indigenous knowledge and modern education across its Merritt and Vancouver campuses. It provides flexible learning options, including community-based programs, with estimated annual tuition for international students ranging from CAD 13,000-20,000.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1983
Students: 600
International students: 15
Acceptance rate: 85%
Tuition (intl): €9–14k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Merritt, Canada

For international students

Canada

Student visa & funds

International students must obtain a study permit from IRCC before arriving. Most college and undergraduate applicants must also include a Provincial or Territorial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) confirming a space under the annual cap; from January 2026, master’s and doctoral students at public institutions are exempt from this requirement. Applicants must show living funds of CAD 22,895 (effective September 2025, for a single student, excluding tuition and travel), and Student Direct Stream applicants hold this amount as a GIC.

Working while you study

Full-time students at designated learning institutions whose permits include work authorization may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms — a cap in effect since November 2024 that replaced the former 20-hour rule and a temporary 40-hour exception. Students may work unlimited hours during scheduled breaks such as summer and winter holidays. From April 2026, eligible students no longer need a separate co-op work permit for mandatory placements.

After you graduate

Graduates of eligible programs may apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) within 180 days of confirmed completion. The PGWP matches program length up to a maximum of three years, and master’s graduates receive a three-year permit regardless of program length. Since November 2024 most applicants must show a recent language test at CLB 7 (university graduates) or CLB 5 (college graduates); degree graduates are exempt from the field-of-study alignment rule that applies to other applicants.

English tests

IELTS Academic6.0–6.5 with no band below 6.0; research-intensive universities 6.5–7.0
TOEFL iBT80–100; top universities (e.g. University of Toronto) 100+

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuaryMay

Typical living cost

€1,250/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesIRCC — Study permit: get the right documents · CIC News — Increased fund requirements for study permits (Sept 2025) · CIC News — Off-campus work rules update (May 2026) · IRCC — Post-graduation work permit: who can apply · ETS — Minimum TOEFL score requirements for the USA, UK and Canada · Mastersportal — Living costs & tuition in Canada

Programs

a selection

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Nicola Valley Institute of Technology · Canada

Access to Practical Nursing

This program equips you with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to begin a career in practical nursing. You will gain the competencies required by the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) to care for individuals across different life stages and in various healthcare settings. The curriculum focuses on preparing graduates for entry-level practice with less complex and more predictable patient outcomes, ensuring they are ready to successfully complete the Regulatory Exam-Practical Nurse (REx-PN).

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology · Canada

Bachelor of Social Work

The Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) offers a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program that uniquely integrates Indigenous perspectives and social justice principles. This program is the only Indigenous-centred BSW in British Columbia. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to practice social work ethically and effectively with diverse individuals, families, and communities, emphasizing principles of social justice and community healing. Elders play a valued role in the program, contributing to an educational framework that respects diversity, equality, and the inherent worth of all individuals. Graduates will be prepared to work with both Indigenous and mainstream populations, enhancing their capacity to contribute to social change. The BSW program is fully accredited by the Canadian Association for Social Work Education. Students have the option to specialize in Child Welfare or Indigenous Health Care from the beginning of the program, with their fourth-year practicum placement aligning with their chosen specialization. It is also possible to complete the degree without a specialization.

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology · Canada

Environmental Resources Technology

The Environmental Resources Technology Program (ENRT) is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of careers in the natural resource sector. This program offers hands-on learning experiences within the diverse ecosystems of the Nicola Valley, integrating Indigenous Knowledge with Western science. Students will gain practical skills in data collection, field identification, resource measurement, and mapping. The Certificate level (Year 1) focuses on foundational field skills such as tree and plant identification, navigation, GIS mapping, soil identification, resource measurements, and fire ecology. It also includes courses on Ethnoscience and Indigenous case law to provide context for land use and Indigenous perspectives. Graduates at this level are qualified for field data collection roles. The Diploma level (Year 2) builds upon the certificate, applying first-year knowledge to solve environmental problems. Courses cover environmental disciplines like forest surveys, environmental assessment, wildlife, fisheries, grasslands, environmental planning, watershed hydrology, and silviculture. This level qualifies graduates for roles in forest surveys, environmental monitoring, environmental assessment data collection, and community environmental projects.

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology · Canada

Health Care Assistant Certificate

The Health Care Assistant program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to provide compassionate frontline care. You will learn to support the physical, psychological, cognitive, social, and spiritual well-being of clients and their families under the supervision of healthcare professionals. The program includes theory, laboratory practice, and clinical experience, preparing you for diverse healthcare settings.

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology · Canada

Indigenous Business Diploma

The Indigenous Business Diploma program is designed to equip students with essential business knowledge, practical skills, and cultural understanding to foster success in Indigenous-led businesses and organizations. This two-year diploma program integrates Traditional Indigenous Knowledge with contemporary business principles, focusing on land governance and sustainable economic practices. The curriculum emphasizes holistic growth, cultural vitality, and community-focused leadership, all guided by Indigenous Storywork and community-led knowledge systems.

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology · Canada

Indigenous Early Childhood Education

The Indigenous Early Childhood Education (IECE) program at NVIT is designed to prepare students to provide high-quality care and education for young children. It emphasizes the integration of Indigenous knowledge, cultural practices, and community-based approaches within contemporary child development principles and provincial licensing standards. The program aims to foster culturally grounded and responsive early learning environments, supporting children's identity development through Indigenous ways of knowing and being. Students will explore the evolving roles of children, families, and educators within both Indigenous traditions and British Columbia’s licensed childcare framework.

Scholarships

for Canada

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full funding

University of Toronto

Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship

For international students beginning undergraduate study at the University of Toronto who are first-time entrants from outside Canada. Students must be nominated by their school, then complete the U of T application and scholarship process. Selection recognises exceptional academic achievement and creativity, with a record of leadership and impact at school.

University of British Columbia

International Leader of Tomorrow (ILOT) Award

For international students entering their first undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC) who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and financial need. Students must be nominated by their school and require financial support to study at UBC; the award is need-based, covering costs the student and family cannot meet.

Western University National Scholarship Program (Canada)

Open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents entering full-time undergraduate study at Western University's main campus, with a minimum academic average of 90% in Grade 12 U/M courses (or equivalent), a school nomination, a reference letter, a transcript and an essay.

University of Ottawa International English Scholarships

Open to international undergraduate students who hold a valid Canadian study permit and are newly admitted to an English-language undergraduate programme in Arts, Engineering, Health Sciences, Science, Social Sciences, or the Telfer School of Management. A minimum admission average of 80 percent is needed for the Admission Scholarship and 90 percent for the Academic Excellence Scholarship. Students in the French immersion or French-language streams are not eligible.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Open to Canadian and international students pursuing a doctoral (PhD) degree at a Canadian university. Candidates must be nominated by the Canadian institution, not yet have started the doctoral program beyond defined limits, and demonstrate academic excellence, research potential, and leadership.

CIHR / NSERC / SSHRC (Tri-Agency), Government of Canada

Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D)

For doctoral students undertaking a PhD at a Canadian institution, with an outstanding academic record. Awards are made by Canada's tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC); applicants apply through their university, and eligibility (including for international students) follows the current Canada Graduate Scholarships rules.

Frequently asked questions

What is Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT)?

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NVIT is British Columbia's Indigenous public post-secondary institute, established in 1983. It offers a unique educational experience combining traditional Indigenous knowledge with contemporary academic and career training.

Where is NVIT located?

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NVIT has its main campus in Merritt, British Columbia, and also operates a campus in Vancouver. It also provides community education programs directly within First Nations communities across British Columbia and Canada.

What are the typical tuition fees for international students at NVIT?

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International students typically pay roughly CAD 13,000-20,000 per year in tuition, depending on the program. Certificate, diploma, and degree programs are priced individually.

What are the estimated living costs for students at NVIT?

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Living costs in Merritt are relatively low for British Columbia. Students should budget approximately CAD 12,000-16,000 per year for accommodation, food, and personal expenses.

What academic programs does NVIT offer?

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NVIT focuses on preparing future leaders in fields such as wellness, technology, governance, land, and economic development. Students can gain skills relevant to Indigenous communities and broader society.

How can international students demonstrate English proficiency for admission?

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Typical English proficiency requirements include an IELTS score of 6.0 overall or a TOEFL iBT score of 80. Specific program requirements may vary.

Nicola Valley Institute of Technology

Why study here

Student life

For international students